The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Sunday condemned the violence that erupted during anti-corruption protests in Manila, where several people were injured, including broadcast journalist Manny Vargas.
Vargas was reportedly struck by a projectile while covering the event.
In a statement, the PTFOMS emphasized that the attack highlights the urgent need to protect journalists, who play a key role in delivering accurate and timely information to the public.
The National Press Club of the Philippines earlier noted that any form of violence against media workers—intentional or otherwise—threatens press freedom and the public’s right to know.
PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. underscored that journalist safety is “non-negotiable” and called for stronger safety protocols.
“We will continue to advocate for measures that safeguard those who risk their lives to keep the nation informed,” Torres said.
Vargas was delivering a report for radio station DZBB at around 1:30 p.m. when a group of young rallyists suddenly started throwing rocks, bottles and other hard objects at the direction of the Manila Police District (MPD) personnel deployed in the area of Mendiola.
The rioters reportedly wanted to force their way to Mendiola and Malacañang, during demonstrations held in the nation’s capital on Sunday, but were not able to do so owing to the big trucks and iron barriers that were placed in strategic areas.
Vargas got hit by the rock and the barrage of flying objects only stopped when the police chased the young protesters.
The rally against corruption in Manila saw students and members of the religious sector, as well as militant groups, which peacefully ended at around 1:30 p.m. after a program. Some of the attendees then proceeded to EDSA People Power Monument, where similar activities were also being held.
Meanwhile, political activist Renato Reyes, Jr. also reported he got hit by a stone during a commotion in Mendiola. Reyes is the president of progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), which participated in the Manila rallies.
“Currently at the ER, bloodied after being hit by a stone in Mendiola. The Bayan program had ended. We were already leaving when a commotion broke out. Stones were being thrown and I got hit in the head. The people who stayed in Mendiola were angry,” he said in a post on X.
“We don’t know who the groups were. They’re not affiliated with Bayan. But we could sense their anger. And even after we ended the program, they stayed on,” Reyes added.
